In Loving Memory of James Phelphs White III

James Phelps White III

July 1, 1932 — March 27, 2025

James Phelps White III passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Ocala, Florida where he lived for the past 10 years. Born on July 1, 1932, in Roswell, New Mexico, he was the only child of Mary Beers and JP White Jr. and grandson of Lou Tomlinson and James Phelps White Sr.
Phelps was raised in Roswell, where he learned to appreciate his family heritage, especially in the history of farming and ranching in Chaves County. He cherished his experiences as a son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Phelps could spot the shimmer of an arrowhead from a mile away, cast a fly rod like a pro, identify any bird species, and with profound knowledge and wit, he could weave a story about New Mexico history like no other. He loved the annual outings to the family ranch for sheep shearing season and took pleasure in winning bets on the golf course! He was passionate and knowledgeable about many things, especially the night sky, the avian world, and all things about the environment and livestock.  One of Phelps’ favorite times of the year was during pecan harvest season, receiving an invitation from a representative at Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Roswell to “shake” their pecan trees. The Poor Clares remember him as a friend who served others from his heart. Phelps is remembered by his friends as an intelligent, kind-hearted New Mexico gentleman and as a generous friend to many.
Phelps attended New Mexico Military Institute, graduating from high school in 1950 and from NMMI Junior College in 1952. He is the former president of the NMMI Foundation Board of Directors. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1955, where he met and married Judith Anderson, the mother of their children. He was commissioned in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, Armor Division, and posted at Fort Knox from 1955-57. He was honorably discharged in 1962 as a 1st Lieutenant, completing his service in active and inactive reserve status. Phelps was proud to be a veteran, but more importantly, he was always concerned about the modern-day military and the safety of our troops overseas. He loved engaging with other veterans.
Phelps returned to Roswell from Fort Knox to begin his career in sheep and cattle ranching on the MX Ranch west of Roswell. He was a servant leader to the Roswell community, Chaves County, and New Mexico. He was a former chairman of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and Citizens Advisory Committee of Eastern New Mexico University, and a former president of the Community Foundation of Chaves County, the Roswell Rotary Club, the New Mexico Woolgrowers Association, the Historical Foundation of Southeast New Mexico, and the New Mexico State University Foundation Board of Directors. Phelps was a founding director of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Center and a founding member of the Roswell County Club Rack-A-Fratz Golf Tournament, a 62-year-old tradition for Roswell’s golf enthusiasts. He was a former senior warden of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, where he served as a devoted Sunday morning usher.
Phelps is survived by his wife Corina, with whom he shared many adventures, especially while living in Florida, far from the familiar culture they loved in NM.  He is survived by three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: His son James Phelps White IV and his wife Diane of Roswell, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren Mary Kristen Haynie and her husband Jesse, and their two sons Ryder and Colt, of Las Cruces, NM; Ida Antonia Kostka and her husband Scott, and their three children Nola, Scotty, and Louie of Eagle, Colorado; and James Phelps “Quint”, White V and his son James Phelps White VI of Roswell; His daughter Constance Ann White and her partner Lester Niblock of Houston, TX; and his daughter Elizabeth White Kanaly and her husband Drew of Houston, TX, and grandchildren Stuart Chancellor Nelson Jr. and his fiancé, Georgia Fabbrini of Houston, TX, and Grant Meriwether Nelson and his wife Toma of New York City, NY.
The family would like to extend their gratitude for the loving care provided by the staff of The E. W. & Lucille Cates House, Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, Florida, and to the Marion County Vet Resource Center who compassionately honored 1st Lt James Phelps White III in his final days with a pinning ceremony.
Phelps will return to his beloved New Mexico. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service on July 26th, 10 a.m., at South Park Cemetery. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests a contribution to the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico (200 North Lea Ave, Roswell, NM 88201), the former home of Phelps’ grandfather, JP “Grandpa” White Sr, now a treasured museum in SE New Mexico. He cherished many fond childhood memories in this beautiful home, and he was instrumental in the dedication and legacy of the historical museum it is today.
Rest in peace Phelps, Daddy, Dad, Papa.